Revisiting The Pathologist in the Basement: Episode 4 Breakfast in the Snow
Digest
This episode of Lost Women of Science tells the story of Dr. Dorothy Anderson, the pathologist who discovered cystic fibrosis, and the legacy of her work that continues to improve the lives of CF patients today. The episode begins with a discussion of Dr. Anderson's life and work, including her early research on cystic fibrosis and her efforts to raise awareness of the disease. The episode then explores the progress that has been made in CF treatment since Dr. Anderson's death, including the development of new drugs that have dramatically improved the lives of CF patients. The episode concludes with a discussion of the future of CF research, including the potential for gene editing to cure the disease.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the podcast and its focus on the intersection of technology and black spirit duality. It also introduces the podcast "Moral Repair" as a black exploration of tech.
Dorothy Anderson's Legacy
This Chapter delves into the life and work of Dr. Dorothy Anderson, a physician who was the first to identify cystic fibrosis in the 1930s. It explores her early research, her efforts to raise awareness of the disease, and her impact on the lives of CF patients. The chapter also discusses Dr. Anderson's personal life, including her struggles with smoking and her legacy after her death.
Advances in CF Treatment
This Chapter explores the progress that has been made in CF treatment since Dr. Anderson's death. It discusses the development of new drugs that have dramatically improved the lives of CF patients, including Trikafta, a combination drug that works to fix the broken protein caused by CF. The chapter also discusses the potential for gene editing to cure the disease.
Brian McTear's Story
This Chapter tells the story of Brian McTear, a musician and producer who lives with cystic fibrosis. Brian's story highlights the impact of advancements in CF treatment on the lives of patients. The chapter concludes with Brian singing a song in Dorothy Anderson's memory.
Keywords
Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder that affects the lungs, digestive system, and other organs. It is caused by a mutation in the CFTR gene, which leads to the production of thick, sticky mucus that can clog the lungs and other organs. CF is a life-threatening disease, but with early diagnosis and treatment, many people with CF can live long and healthy lives.
Dorothy Anderson
Dr. Dorothy Anderson was a physician who was the first to identify cystic fibrosis in the 1930s. She was a pioneer in CF research and made significant contributions to our understanding of the disease. Dr. Anderson's work paved the way for the development of new treatments that have dramatically improved the lives of CF patients.
Trikafta
Trikafta is a combination drug that works to fix the broken protein caused by cystic fibrosis. It is a major breakthrough in CF treatment and has dramatically improved the lives of many CF patients. Trikafta is a modulator drug, which means that it helps to improve the function of the CFTR protein.
Gene Editing
Gene editing is a technology that allows scientists to make precise changes to the DNA of an organism. CRISPR-Cas9 is a gene editing technique that has revolutionized the field of genetic engineering. Gene editing has the potential to cure many genetic diseases, including cystic fibrosis.
CF Foundation
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) is a non-profit organization that funds research, provides patient care, and advocates for people with cystic fibrosis. The CFF has been a major force in the fight against CF and has played a key role in the development of new treatments for the disease.
Lazarus Syndrome
The Lazarus syndrome is a phenomenon that occurs when people who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness experience a sudden and unexpected improvement in their health. This can be due to a variety of factors, including the development of new treatments or the body's own ability to fight off the disease. The Lazarus syndrome can be a source of hope for people with life-threatening illnesses, but it can also be a source of anxiety and uncertainty.
Moral Repair
Moral Repair is a podcast that explores the intersection of technology and black spirit duality. The podcast examines how technology both threatens our societies and makes the world a better place. Moral Repair is hosted by an underbarquely and Keisha McKenzie.
Lost Women of Science
Lost Women of Science is a podcast that unearths stories of female scientists who didn't receive the recognition they deserved. Each season of the podcast focuses on the life and work of one woman. Lost Women of Science is hosted by Katie Hafner.
Q&A
What is cystic fibrosis and how is it caused?
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder that affects the lungs, digestive system, and other organs. It is caused by a mutation in the CFTR gene, which leads to the production of thick, sticky mucus that can clog the lungs and other organs.
Who was Dr. Dorothy Anderson and what was her contribution to cystic fibrosis research?
Dr. Dorothy Anderson was a physician who was the first to identify cystic fibrosis in the 1930s. She was a pioneer in CF research and made significant contributions to our understanding of the disease. Dr. Anderson's work paved the way for the development of new treatments that have dramatically improved the lives of CF patients.
What are some of the advancements that have been made in CF treatment since Dr. Anderson's death?
Since Dr. Anderson's death, there have been significant advancements in CF treatment, including the development of new drugs that have dramatically improved the lives of CF patients. One of the most significant breakthroughs is Trikafta, a combination drug that works to fix the broken protein caused by CF.
What is gene editing and how could it be used to cure cystic fibrosis?
Gene editing is a technology that allows scientists to make precise changes to the DNA of an organism. CRISPR-Cas9 is a gene editing technique that has revolutionized the field of genetic engineering. Gene editing has the potential to cure many genetic diseases, including cystic fibrosis. By editing the CFTR gene, scientists could potentially correct the mutation that causes CF.
What is the Lazarus syndrome and how does it relate to cystic fibrosis?
The Lazarus syndrome is a phenomenon that occurs when people who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness experience a sudden and unexpected improvement in their health. This can be due to a variety of factors, including the development of new treatments or the body's own ability to fight off the disease. The Lazarus syndrome can be a source of hope for people with life-threatening illnesses, but it can also be a source of anxiety and uncertainty. In the case of cystic fibrosis, the development of new treatments like Trikafta has led to a significant improvement in life expectancy for many CF patients, which has caused some patients to grapple with the Lazarus syndrome.
Show Notes
In our final episode, we explore Dorothy Andersen’s legacy — what she left behind and how her work has lived on since her death. Describing her mentor’s influence on her life and career, Dr. Celia Ores gives us a rare look at what Dr. Andersen was really like. We then turn to researchers, physicians, and patients, who fill us in on the many areas of progress that have grown out of Dr. Andersen’s work. These major developments include the discovery of the cystic fibrosis gene, the tremendous impact of the drug Trikafta, and the lifesaving potential of gene editing techniques. We end the episode with an update on the effect Trikafta has had on the lives of many CF patients, who can now expect to live a normal life.
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